All of the must-do activities

Tour the coffee plantations of Pereira, view Bogota from Monserrate Hill, and more

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive in Bogota

Arrive in Bogota, where you will be greeted and have a private transfer to your hotel. You can start to explore the city on your own. Bogotá is Colombia’s capital city with approximately 8 million people; it is a cosmopolitan center of sophistication and has become an epicenter of business, politics and entertainment. Bogotá has a thriving nightlife, superb al fresco dining and bar culture as well as international shopping. Accommodation at Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia.

Day 2 – Paloquemao & Monserrate Hill

Your tour starts with an early morning visit to the Paloquemao’s Market with your private guide. This is one of the largest and most important markets in the country. Paloquemao presents the perfect mix of the old and new Bogotá and offers a great insight into the life and customs of the people from Bogotá. You will find a large variety of flowers, exotic fruits, vegetables, meat, seafood, cheese, medicinal herbs as well as typical food. You will have the opportunity to have a unique cultural experience, tasting some exotic fruits and enjoying a small snack during the visit.

Afterwards visit the famous and well preserved historical colonial quarter of La Candelaria. Steeped in history, this area is a must with its splendid colonial architecture. Walking through the streets permeating with the heady atmosphere of the past, you will discover the history of this old part of the city by visiting the Cathedral, the Congress Palace, the Cardinal’s Palace, the colonial churches of El Sagrario and San Agustin, the Independence House, the Palace of Justice and the City Hall which are all located in this impressive square.

Continuing to the east, on the top of the forested mountains, you will find “Cerro de Monserrate”. This mountain has a white catholic church located at the top and has been a site of worship since 1657. On a clear day you will have the opportunity to enjoy a spectacular view of the city. You also might see snowcap of “Nevadodel Tolima” on the far west side.

The tour then follows with a visit to the “Museo del Oro”, the most important gold museum in the world and a ‘must see’ when travelling to Bogotá. This museum displays one of the largest collections of pre- Columbian gold.

Day 3 – Bogota to Pereira

Today, you will have a private transfer to the Bogota Airport for your flight to Pereira. On your arrival, transfer with your private guide for your excursion San Alberto Coffee Tasting. This tour has to start before noon.

The Coffee Triangle is a perfect name for the “Zona Cafetera”, Colombia’s principal coffee-growing area. Shaped like an inverted triangle, this region is formed by the three departments of Caldas, Quindío and Risaralda. Its spectacular natural beauty, makes it one of the most beautiful destinations to visit combining lush green valleys, exotic wildlife and balmy climate. This is the perfect place to unwind and relax, while you sit back and enjoy the freshest coffee you’ll ever taste.

About an hour outside of Armenia lies the town of Buenavista, the smallest municipality in Colombia. There, up in the hills you will find a premium coffee producer: Hacienda San Alberto. San Alberto has been producing coffee since the early 1970’s, so it came as no surprise when they decided to open their doors to the public and share this experience with the coffee lovers around the world. Tour around the beautiful Hacienda San Alberto and learn all about the coffee process from start to finish. You will get familiarized with the coffee bean germination process, visit the coffee nursery, walk around the coffee plantations and visit the processing plant. Afterwards we invite you to participate in an incredible experience that will awaken all your senses: a coffee tasting accompanied by their experts. A sip of coffee will never be the same again, you will learn to identify the characteristics and qualities that are present in a good cup of coffee.Transfer to your hotel after the tour. Accommodation at Hotel Boutique Sazagua.

Day 4 – Salento & Cocora Valley

Today enjoy a visit to the beautiful Cocora Valley located in the department of Quindío with your private guide. This majestic valley is home to the wax palm, Colombia’s national tree and the tallest variety of palm tree in the world. These palms can measure up to 190 feet tall and live more than 120 years. Be amazed by the natural beauty and diversity of fauna and flora that you will encounter throughout the valley. Once you arrive, you will be welcomed with a typical cocktail called “canelazo”. Afterwards you will visit the misty forest where your guide will explain to you the importance of protecting and conserving this beautiful ecosystem.

The tour continues with the “Ritual de la Palma”, a way to help preserve the wax palms. Visitors from all around the world have helped plant future wax palms at the park, you will also be able to grow your own palm tree for eternity. Next you will visit the town of Salento. Founded in 1842, Salento was one of the first settlements in the Quindío state and still today it preserves its colonial bahareque architecture. Salento’s centuries buildings are awash in harmonious color, especially along Calle Real, the main street lined end to end with restaurants, bars, handicrafts shops and souvenir stores. A typical lunch with smoked trout is included at the Cocora Valley. Accommodation at Hotel Boutique Sazagua.

Day 5 – Pereira to Cartagena

Today, you will have a private transfer to the Pereira Airport for your flight to Cartagena. On your arrival, transfer to your hotel with your private guide. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. With its breathtaking colonial architecture, horse-drawn carriages and narrow cobbled streets, the city of Cartagena de Indias is one of the most exciting destinations in Colombia. This Caribbean colonial jewel was the first Spanish colony on the South American mainland and one of the main ports for the Spanish fleet which turned the city into an important center of trade in the 16th century. It is a city full of history which has been an inspiration for artists, writers, historians and musicians. This vibrant and colorful city throughout the years has enchanted visitors with its fairy-tale charms. Accommodation at Bastion Luxury Hotel.

Day 6 – Monuments of Cartagena

After your breakfast, your private transfer picks you up at the hotel. The tour begins with a visit of the Convento de la Popa, where the city’s highest point is located and you can enjoy the best view of the beautiful city of Cartagena. This convent was built in the 17th century by the Augustinian Monks. Initially it was just a small wooden chapel, but later it was replaced by a strong construction which still remains. Continue with a visit to the “Castillo de San Felipe”. This castle was built by the Spaniards in the 1600s and it is the greatest and strongest fortress ever built in a Spanish colony. Located at the top of San Lázaro hill, its purpose was to protect and guard the city’s landward side from any attack or invasion. This fortress provides a complex system of tunnels connected with strategic points to distribute provisions and facilitate a possible evacuation. Additionally, the tunnel’s architecture was built so that any noise would echo along them, in order to make internal communications easier and hear even the slightest sound of the enemies approaching.

Afterwards, a walk through “Las Bóvedas” is included. These 23 vaults were built in the 18th century and they are considered the last major colonial construction made within the city walls for military purposes. The vaults were used as storerooms for munitions and provisions by the Spaniards, and later on, they became jail cells. Nowadays, they are used as crafts markets where you can find handicrafts, antiques, galleries, jewelry, clothing and souvenirs, among other things.At the end of the tour you will visit the “Iglesia y Convento San Pedro de Claver”; this convent was founded in the early 17th century by San Ignacio de Loyola. The name of the church was given in honor to San Pedro Claver, a Jesuit priest who spent his life ministering to the enslaved people brought from Africa. This baroque church has an imposing stone facade and inside there are fine stained-glass windows and a high altar made of Italian marble. You will also find a beautiful cloister surrounded with trees, a museum and the place where San Pedro Claver lived and died. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Accommodation at Bastion Luxury Hotel.

Day 7 – Gente de Mar

Today you are you are taken to the port to embark on a shared motorboat to experience the beauty of one of the many islands located in Islas del Rosario, an archipelago formed by coral reefs with small white sand beaches, and clear Caribbean waters that invite you to appreciate the diverse marine life. These small islands have been protected by the authorities since 1977, when they were declared a National Park. The park’s coral reefs, mangrove habitats and lagoons support more than 1,300 different species in nearly 500 square miles. Upon arrival you will disembark and have time to explore the island or just to relax. The Hotel Resort Gente de Mar is located on the island. Lunch at the hotel is included with a set menu. The hotel also has a beach front bar. (Drinks and snacks are not included). You can sit on the small beach and rest, enjoy a walk around the island, sign up for a diving course in the coral reefs, swim or relax with a massage session. You will be arriving back to Cartagena in the late afternoon. Accommodation at Bastion Luxury Hotel.

Day 8 – Departure

After your breakfast, your private transfer takes you to the airport for your flight home.

Price/Hotels

Dates

Price Per Person From

Departs Daily

$2,490

*Note: Domestic flights not included in tour price

Hotel Experience

Bogota – Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia or similar

Located just over a quarter mile from Bogota’s popular the T Zone area, Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia features luxurious rooms with free Wi-Fi. This modern property also boasts a restaurant, bar, business center and gym.

Pereira – Hotel Boutique Sazagua or similar

Sazagua Hotel offers spacious rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, spa and free Wi-Fi. It is located 6 miles from the center of Pereira.Rooms at Hotel Sazagua are spacious and decorated with a mix of wood that creates a warm atmosphere. They are equipped with a TV and a ceiling fan and either includes a patio or a private balcony.

Cartagena – Bastion Luxury Hotel or similar

In the heart of Cartagena’s walled city, this modern hotel is a 16th-century remodeled building and features a rooftop terrace with a swimming pool and shared lounge. It also features an on-site gourmet restaurant, as well as free Wi-Fi.

Note: Limited Availability, some hotels may not be available. Prices are per person.